WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone who has.

A Manitoba priest accused of sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl in Little Grand Rapids First Nation last year has been suspended, a day after the girl at the center of the case testified against him.

Arul Savari sat silently behind his lawyers in a Winnipeg courtroom Wednesday afternoon in what was supposed to be the second day of his trial as Crown prosecutor Danielle Simard told Court of King’s Bench Justice Shawn Greenberg, made the decision after carefully reviewing the evidence. in the case following the girl’s testimony.

“As the court knows, the process is very difficult for any witness, but even more so for a child. Best efforts are always made by prosecutions to ensure that a witness is well prepared to testify, and this case is no different. Simard said.

“Furthermore, it does not matter whether Crown prosecutors believe that a crime has occurred or the impact of such allegations on an isolated community. Although it weighs a lot, it is not the deciding factor.”

Simard pointed to the Crown’s “ongoing and overarching legal and ethical responsibility” to ensure that the cases they prosecute have a reasonable likelihood of ending in conviction as the reason behind the decision.

“It’s not enough that something probably happened, but rather, ‘Can the evidence reasonably meet the test beyond a reasonable doubt?'” Simard said.

“In accordance with our solemn obligation to administer justice in a responsible and careful manner, we must order a stay of proceedings on all charges before this honorable court in relation to Mr. Arul Savari.”

The girl, who cannot be identified due to a publication ban and clutched a stuffed animal as she spoke in court on Monday, said she remembered feeling scared that day when the priest allegedly drove o in his bedroom inside the remote First Nation church. approximately 265 kilometers northeast of Winnipeg.

The allegations she made against Savari, whom she called “Father Arul”, included that he took off his clothes, told her he loved her, touched her legs and belly and kissed her.

Savari has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, sexual interference and forcible restraint.

Savari’s attorneys raised questions about some of the girl’s allegations, saying she didn’t share all the details that were eventually reported when she initially told her mother what she said happened.

Defense attorney Tom Rees also noted on Monday inconsistencies in the account the girl gave in her statement, including whether Savari’s underwear was removed.

For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is help available through crisis lines and local support services through Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety or the safety of others, please call 911.